About Me

I am not an Insider and I think that's a good thing

I was born and raised here in Colorado, and while I have a long history of community and civic involvement, I am not an insider. I am not part of the wealthy, well-connected, business elite. I am an ordinary person and I still believe that ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they work hard are sincere and connected with their communities. I believe I have the passion, ideas and qualifications to bring real change to this office.

Above all else, I hope to inspire other people to get involved in the political process and run for office. I know we are all busy, but our country needs you now more than ever.

Experience AND QUALIFICATION matter

You wouldn't hire a plumber to work on your teeth, so why would you hire a career politician to manage your money?

The State Treasurer manages a portfolio of roughly $6.5 billion and sits on more than 8 important boards including the board of the Public Employees Retirement Association (PERA). This office is important and requires more expertise than what can be provided by career politicians who often use this job as a stepping stone to higher office. We need a State Treasurer who is qualified with a background in finance and economics to oversee our state's finances. After all, this is our money.

I would not be running, if I did not believe I am the best qualified candidate in this race.

I've spent the last 25 years in business including healthcare and technology. More recently I started my own math tutoring business, with my own money. I have a graduate degree in Finance and an undergraduate degree in Economics. More importantly, I know what it is like to have to meet payroll within a tight budget when times are tough. In good times meeting a budget is easy. In tough times meeting a budget is the real test. I have a proven track record of doing both.

Accurate Forecasts Are Key To Good Business - And Good Government

To quote Yogi Berra, "It's tough to make predictions, especially about the future."

As difficult as it may be to predict the future, I think that our politicians and government agencies can do a better job of forecasting costs and revenues. I don't agree that we need to accept huge cost overruns or revenue shortfalls as a default.

Many of us are frustrated, we've been lied to, and forecasts have just been plain wrong in many cases. Take the RTD Fastracks project, which went $1.8 billion or 38% over budget from $4.7 billion to $6.5 billion. Many Coloradans are also aware of the cost overruns for the V.A. hospital which has gone 3 times over budget, costing taxpayers $1 billion more than originally forecast.

We have many smart, competent people in government, but we can do better if we put more people in office that are qualified, experienced, and independent

A key goal of mine is to rebuild trust and confidence in government, and I believe this often starts with providing citizens with honest and accurate projections based on responsible and transparent assumptions.

We need a State Treasurer who is truly independent - who will look out for you and your money. The Treasurer doesn't vote on legislation, but he can and should be a watchdog - looking out for you and your money.

As your next State Treasurer, I will leverage my background in finance, economics and business to help ensure that our government works fiscally, and is honest and transparent with the people of Colorado. After all, it's our money.

More About Me

How do you pronounce my last name, Douthit?

Many people including my next door neighbor of 12+ years, have mispronounced my last name. Maybe the best way to remember it is with a slogan, There's no doubt about it, vote for Douthit.

I Believe in Science and an Objective Reality

I believe in objective reality based on truth and scientific evidence, both of which are under assault at present.

While I am many things as we all are, what may be most relevant is that I am a father, a small business owner and a Colorado native. I grew up in Fort Collins and my Mom and Dad, Brother and Sister all live here in Colorado.

Today our State has record low unemployment, but we do not know what the future holds. I still remember the 1980's when Denver was called the See-Through City because so many of the buildings downtown were empty.

Like many of my friends who graduated during that time I had to leave Colorado to find work. After graduate school, I was thrilled to return home to take a position in the technology industry. I've lived in Denver ever since raising two great kids, Julia and James who are now 16 and 18.

After spending many years in the corporate world I opened my own math education business in 2010 with my own savings. I started this business because I thought it was vitally important that kids have access to the very best math education possible. My goal is to help our students develop into agile and imaginative problem solvers - and more importantly, gain the confidence and tenacity to succeed in all aspects of their lives.

Owning my own business has been a terrific experience, but I've also had to make some tough choices at times to make payroll and rent every month for 6+ years.

A History Supporting Education and Community

While my business is private, we do offer our services on a scholarship basis and work every day to try and make our programs affordable to everyone. A great education shouldn't be a privilege of a lucky few who can afford it. A great education should be available to everyone and this starts with strong neighborhood schools.

When I first moved to Denver's Stapleton neighborhood in 2003, the first public school that opened was in disarray. The principal was fired before the end of the school year. Our PTA had no money and many families moved their kids to charter or private schools because they feared for the worst.

However, a small group of families stayed and stood our ground. We kept our kids in our local school and worked as a community to turn things around - hired a new principal, new teachers and began raising money. Today, that school, Westerly Creek Elementary, is one of the highest performing and sought after schools in all of metro Denver.

In the end, it was only about a dozen families that led this effort, but the change we brought about was substantial. I am always reminded by this experience that it only takes a small group of committed people to make great things happen.

I hope each person who visits my website remember this idea as well and that you'll join me in this campaign. We can change our State to bring about more opportunity for everyone.

I am delighted you have taken the time to visit my page and learn about me and this campaign.

Please donate if you can, every little bit helps, $1, $3, $5, and if you can spare the time, we also need volunteers. Thank you in advance for your help.